Why quit Red Bull for Renault? Ricciardo explains

The Renault factory F1 squad confirmed that, they have signed with the Daniel Ricciardo for 2019 and 2020 Formula 1 season. I was a surprise move Ricciardo to end his long relationship with Red Bull, announced the switch first half of the season, the 29-year-old would be leaving them at the end of this year.

The Australian wants to backing Renault become a title-winning team and eying drivers title, that is why he moved to the French outfit.

One of another reason, his current team Red Bull switching from Renault to Honda power for 2019, it will forcing a biggest challenge for upcoming season. Red Bull won four championships in a row with Renault between 2010 and 2013 but have since fallen out and Ricciardo’s decision to stick with the French engines.

Following the Monaco Grand Prix victory, F1 paddock strongly hints Mercedes, Ferrari and McLaren being interested in the Aussie driver. But Mercedes last month announced their 2019 line-up and Ferrari could keep Kimi Raikkonen another one-year extension, after the sudden death of Ferrari President Sergio Marchionne, the Italians are doubtful to promoting a young driver like Charles Leclerc, who currently driving with Alfa Romeo Sauber F1.

McLaren was opening showing their interest. But the Renault’s progress attracts Ricciardo’s attention. Renault is consistently made race finish without troubles and stays in the fourth place in the constructor’s championship this season and their drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Carlos Sainz are regularly finish in the top 10.

“It was by far the toughest decision I’ve made in my racing career but in 29 years living on this Earth, it was actually one of the toughest life decisions I’ve made. Ricciardo said on a video blog

“I felt it was a time now where it was good for me to move on and have a fresh start somewhere else. I think it will be healthy for me – so excited for what lies ahead with Renault.”

“I realise there is a lot ahead in order to allow Renault to reach their target of competing at the highest level but I have been impressed by their progression in only two years, and I know each time Renault has been in the sport they eventually won.”

“I hope to be able to help them in this journey and contribute on and off track.”

Renault’s managing director Cyril Abiteboul said: “Daniel’s undoubted talent and charisma are a huge bonus and statement for the team. We will have to repay his faith in us by delivering the best car possible.”

Ricciardo won the Monaco and the Chinese Grands Prix this season and is currently fifth in the drivers’ standings.

“We fully respect Daniel’s decision to leave Aston Martin Red Bull Racing and we wish him all the best in his future,” said Red Bull team boss Christian Horner, who must now find a replacement alongside Dutch youngster Max Verstappen.

“We would like to thank him for his dedication and the role he has played since joining the Team in 2014, the highlights of course being the seven wins and the 29 podiums he has achieved so far with us.”